Members of the Hawaii National Guard assist in the evacuation residents of Oahu’s North Shore March 20, 2026, during the second Kona low storm in two weeks to hit the state. (Andrew Lee Jackson/Hawaii Department of Defense)
FORT SHAFTER, Hawaii — The Hawaii National Guard activated 195 soldiers and airmen Friday to respond to emergencies arising from a storm that caused massive flooding and a potential dam breach on the island of Oahu, the Guard’s commander said Friday evening.
For the second week in a row, a Kona low system settled near the state and brought slashing rain that has caused flooding on Oahu, particularly in the northern and central portions.
A Kona low system reverses the trade winds to the islands, bringing heavy rains to the leeward side of Hawaii islands that seldom see the brunt of storms.
On Friday, up to 13 inches of rain fell in parts of Oahu.
Gov. Josh Green ordered the evacuation of two North Shore towns, Waialua and Haleiwa, because they were threatened by a breach in the Wahiawa dam in central Oahu that had filled dangerously high from the heavy rain.
Hawaii National Guard high-water vehicle teams rescued about 50 residents of the two towns who were stranded by flooding, Maj. Gen. Stephen Logan, adjutant general of the Hawaii Department of Defense, said during a news conference from the governor’s office Friday evening.
“This afternoon, three Hawaii National Guard Black Hawk helicopters rescued 32 [children] and 15 adults who were camping during spring break,” Logan said.
The helicopters also rescued two dogs that had been trapped by flooding, he said.
The Guard has 21 high-water vehicle teams stationed throughout the state. Those reconfigured combat vehicles can pass through water a yard deep, he said.
Thirteen teams are stationed on Oahu, five on Maui, three on Hawaii Island and one on Kauai, he said.
Army Garrison Hawaii sent employees and soldiers home Friday morning, advising them to remain home if they lived on the base or drive immediately to their homes if located to the south or east.
“Over the past 24 hours we have received more than 12 inches of rain at Schofield Barracks alone with an additional 2–3 inches minimum expected in the next 24 hours,” the garrison posted on Facebook Friday evening.
“Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, avoid flooded areas, and prioritize safety,” the post states.
Fort Shafter, on the outskirts of Honolulu, experienced power outages throughout the day.
“The storm is not over,” Green said. “Tonight, we’re most worried about Oahu.”
The brunt of the storm, however, is expected to move to the islands of Maui and Hawaii over the weekend, he said.
